Do you need help now?
Call our 24-hour confidential helpline at +1 800 663-6729
You can speak with a registered clinical counsellor for immediate support, arrange ongoing counselling sessions, and schedule a 1:1 connection with a PHP Program Physician, who will provide confidential advocacy, support, and referrals to appropriate services.
Learn more about what happens when you call.
Confidentiality
Speaking to PHP is as confidential as talking to your own primary care provider. This includes your personal and health information, and even the fact that you contacted us. PHP will not share your information with external parties unless you provide explicit consent or as required by law.
- For more details, please see our privacy policy.
- Our counselling service is offered in partnership with Telus Health.
“It was comforting to know that I was not the only physician in similar circumstances and there are people ready and willing to help.”—Mid career physician
About the Physician Health Program
PHP is a responsive, high-quality care provider and community services navigator for physicians, trainees, retired physicians, residents, medical students, and their families. We offer 24-hour intake and a crisis support line, along with short-term counselling, system navigation, community referrals, and peer support from in-house Program Physicians.
Vision
Support a healthy, empowered physician community, and be a trusted service in times of need.
Mission
Care for the health of BC physicians, medical learners and their family members by providing confidential, accessible services, and collaborating with physician health stakeholders and partners.
Governance and Funding
PHP is funded by the Ministry of Health and governed by a Steering Committee composed of representatives from the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC. A caring and diverse clinical team at Doctors of BC delivers PHP services.
“The Physician Health Program (PHP) provided me with prompt and invaluable assistance during our family's recent mental health crisis. I don't know what we would have done without this service.”—Late career physician
Our team
Program Physicians
As PHP program physicians, we welcome the opportunity to support any physician or medical learner and understand how difficult it can be to reach out. We have expertise in physician health, psychiatry, family medicine, occupational medicine, leadership, public health, and addictions. We provide a confidential space to listen to physicians, understand their needs, suggest supports, and provide ongoing guidance. Program physicians do not act as treating physicians.
- Dr Anne Nguyen, MD, CCFP(AM), diplSAM, Physician Lead
- Dr Doug McGhee, MD CCFP(AM) CCSAM
- Dr Joyce Coutts, MD CCFP (AM, COE) dABAM
- Dr Karen Palmer, MD FRCPC
- Dr Kathleen McGarvey, MD FRCPC
- Dr Maureen Mayhew, MDCM MPH PCC
- Dr Peter Gibson, MD FRCPC
Clinical Coordinators
As Clinical Coordinators, we are here to support physicians and medical learners by assisting with case management, health system navigation, and community referrals. We understand the challenges that come with seeking help and are committed to listening, identifying needs, and connecting physicians to the right support services. Our team members have backgrounds in counseling, social work, nursing, and other allied health fields, allowing us to offer informed guidance. While we do not provide direct psychotherapy support, we work closely with our Program Physicians to ensure comprehensive and confidential assistance.
- Carol Faris, RN, MEd
- Dalal Badawi, RSW, MSW
- Dolores Langford, PT, DPT
- Emily Fetterly, RN, MScN
- Hilary Nolle, RN, MScN
- Kristina Saprai, RCC, RSW, MSW
- Yvonne Chew, MA, RCC
Steering Committee
The Physician Health Program is governed by a six-member committee comprising of representatives from the Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC, with two co-chairs.
- Dr Mandy Manak, Doctors of BC Co-Chair
- Leah Fernando, Ministry of Health Co-Chair
- Dr Deema Jassi, Doctors of BC Representative
- Dr Dorothy (Sam) Williams, Ministry of Health Representative
- Dr Marie-Claude Grégoire, Doctors of BC Representative
- Tanya Lorenz, Ministry of Health Representative
- Tom Rapanakis, Vice President and Executive Director
Reports and plans
Our work is guided by the PHP Strategic Plan 2023–2026. Explore our annual reports: